During 2003 all school sites were reviewed with a view to reducing water use. This involved consideration of opportunities to make greater use of neighbourhood and district playing fields where these are conveniently located to schools. The review also included consideration of other water saving measures, for example reducing water used in toilet flushing through the use of displacement devices and installation of low flow taps.

(5) The department provided funding of $200,000 in the 2003-04 Minor New Works program to implement water efficiency measures in schools.

(6) It is estimated that approximately 40% of water in schools is used indoors, with 60% being used outdoors. The water savings measures undertaken have contributed to a reduction in water consumption consistent with the water restrictions. In terms of the benefits of this, government schools are taking a lead in the responsible use of water as a valuable resource and the water saving devices installed (such as cistern displacement devices and low flow taps) will assist in long term reductions in water consumption.

A decline in the condition of many irrigated grass areas in school grounds has occurred due to water restrictions. There will be a cost in any remediation work needed to regenerate these areas, or to convert them to an alternative landscape treatment. The department's School Resources Group is monitoring this issue regularly.

Currong apartments

(Question No 1710)

Mrs Burke asked the Minister for Disability, Housing and Community Services, upon notice, on 1 July 2004:

(1) How many public housing tenants have been moved out of Currong Apartments;

(2) Were all of those tenants moved out given new accommodation within A.C.T. Housing; if not, why not;

(3) How many public housing tenants are still to be moved out of Currong Apartments;

(4) What is the timeframe in which they will be moved out;

(5) What is the date set for the final removal of public housing tenants from Currong;

(6) How many students are currently utilising Currong Apartments for temporary accommodation;

(7) When will those students be required to move out;

(8) Has a final decision been made regarding the future of the site, for example will the current blocks be demolished and the land sold for private development or perhaps further public housing development;

(9) If so, what is that decision; if not, why not and when will a decision be made.